Volunteer EMTs or emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are the backbone of our communities, saving lives and enforcing public safety every time they’re on duty.
What do volunteer EMTS do?
They rush onto the scene whenever there’s an emergency whether it be an accident, a medical emergency, or the aftermath of a natural disaster to provide emergency services such as AED, CPR, and first aid to those in need.
Because of this, they are also considered first responders because they are trained healthcare professionals responsible for stabilizing patients and transporting them with ambulance services to a hospital where the patients can receive more specialized care. Paramedics also fall under the first responder umbrella but are considered the highest level of EMS first responders and undergo more advanced paramedic training.
Volunteer EMTs or paramedics differ from paid EMTS because the volunteers aren’t getting paid. Paid EMTs also work full-time (usually at least 40 hours per week), whereas the schedules of volunteer EMTs vary wildly. Volunteers gain firsthand experience in emergency services in the medical field and are often moved alone by their desire to protect, serve, and save their communities. Instead of benefits like a salary or insurance plan, volunteer EMT benefits include developing life-saving skills and life-long relationships within their communities because they serve such a noble purpose.
Are EMTS in demand?
Volunteer EMTs are incredibly important, especially in rural areas where there aren’t as many resources and funding dedicated to a region with fewer people and located in a place that isn’t as accessible. Fewer people often means fewer emergencies, which makes it harder to financially justify full-time paid EMS professionals. It is therefore common for volunteer EMS to make up a rural area’s entire emergency medical services (EMS) system.
Still, wherever you may be, EMTs or paramedics are always in demand. Even in more urban areas, there are still EMT shortages, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, because of widespread burnout, increasing workloads, and underpayment. In fact, nearly one-third of EMTs nationwide in 2021 quit due to unsustainable conditions, illustrating the dire need for more people to train and for more funding to invest in people’s training and well-being. Without EMTs, our communities would greatly suffer. We are already paying the price for overworking our current EMTs.
Volunteer EMT Training
Volunteer EMTs must go through the same state-approved training and have the same qualifications as a paid EMT.
Many EMS agencies offer EMT programs and EMT certifications you can enroll in to at least get started on your journey.
Become a Volunteer EMT
Looking for a place to start? We’ve got you covered.
Even if you don’t end up becoming a volunteer EMT, getting certified makes you that much more prepared to react and save someone’s life during a medical emergency. Everyone should get certified even if they don’t plan on working in healthcare.
Sign up for online classes through the American AED/CPR Association and get CPR and First Aid certified today.
And the best part? You can take any of these nationally accredited classes for free and purchase the certification card if you wish.